British Columbia online sports betting laws

If you want to enjoy the delights of British Columbia online sports betting, the process of signing up is very straightforward. As things stand, the only place to play online is at the PlayNow website, which is administered by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. This website stands comparison with some of the most sophisticated offerings delivered by sportsbooks in far more mature markets.

To sign up, follow the following steps:

1. Visit the PlayNow website and click the Sign Up button.

2. You will need to confirm that you are located within British Columbia.

3. Once you have verified your identity and age, you will be able to deposit funds in your new account.

4. Look out for the sign-up bonus to make your welcome to the new site even more pleasant, and make the most of it.

5. You’re ready to enjoy British Columbia online sports betting.

There has never been legislation specifically banning Daily Fantasy Sports from Canada. DFS have always been completely legal here. As a result, leading operators DraftKings have large numbers of regular customers in British Columbia.

Interestingly, both operators have developed sportsbooks that are in use in several states south of the border. If British Columbia’s legislators should decide to open up the market to outside sportsbooks, both will have a considerable edge thanks to their existing DFS presence here.

British Columbia sports betting is well established, with online gambling going back to 2004. So it is not surprising, but welcome nonetheless, that the subject of responsible gambling is taken seriously in the province. Most people enjoy wagering as a harmless and light-hearted leisure activity. For a small minority, however, gambling can spiral out of control and cause financial and personal problems.

Several agencies in British Columbia offer practical advice, information and assistance:

• The Responsible and Problem Gaming Program , run by the province’s government, offers support, a helpline and initiatives that raise awareness of the issue.

• The Responsible Gambling Council , established many years ago, is seen as the principal resource for assistance with, and awareness of, the issue in Canada.

• Problem Gambling is an organization with a deep stock of responsible gambling tools to help people who may have a problem, and their families.

• The BCLC also runs programs and offers support and advice to those who want their engagement with gaming to be healthy.

British Columbia is the location of the only retail sportsbook in all of Canada, the PlayNow outlet at the Match Eatery and Public House in the Starlight Casino in New Westminster. You can also confirm physical wagers at any BCLC retailer via the Sports Action platform. British Columbia online sports betting is also available across the province via PlayNow, and it will be interesting to see if outside sportsbooks are allowed to apply for licenses in the near future. It will also be fascinating to see if sports betting is allowed at the 35 licensed land-based casinos within British Columbia.